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UPDATE ON EVENTS IN ONTARIO: SUCCESSFUL PROTEST AGAINST OSPCA

THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO THOSE COURAGEOUS INDIVIDUALS WHO DARE TO CHALLENGE THE ONTARIO SPCA AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TO ALL OF THOSE INNOCENT ANIMALS WHO FELL VICTIM TO THE QUESTIONABLE, UNFORGIVABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICES OF THE OSPCA.

On Wednesday, June 22, 2011 the protest rally scheduled at the OSPCA Headquarters went very well.

Between 35 and 40 caring and deeply committed individuals showed their support by attending, taking time from their work day and often too hectic schedules.

A sincere thank you to those who were able to attend and to those persons who were there in spirit. A special thank you to the driving force behind this protest must also be made.

Attending the protest was Gianna Tramolin and her veterinarian Dr. Hannah “Gianna is Rocky’s owner. Rocky is the beautiful husky dog OSPCA took from her backyard a couple of weeks ago and killed it without even trying to get in touch with her.”

What was truly interesting about this day, was that while reporters “banged” on the door of the OSPCA Headquarters, and not one of the OSPCA management team, all of whom were behind that locked door, extended the courtesy of speaking with the media or addressing the protesters.

With the recent scandal, just one of so many in the history of the OSPCA, the release of the Lesage/Meek Report, as well as the attendance of Rocky’s owner and Rocky’s personal veterinarian perhaps the OSPCA management team were for once at a loss for words in defense of themselves. Some might believe that “silence is golden” however silence may also be considered as a form of indifference and complacency.

Most certainly the fact that this protest took place, that many had the courage to add their own voices in protest, as they have done so in the past, proves beyond any doubt that “silence” is NOT golden and that complacency and indifference will not be accepted nor tolerated.

Per Frank Klees

The LeSage/Meek Report

“On June 3rd, one day after Dalton McGuinty prorogued the legislature, the OSPCA released the report written by Justice Patrick LeSage and Dr. Alan Meek.

Why was it kept under wraps by the OSPCA for weeks and why was it not released while the legislature was still in session ?

Here’s why: The report exposes serious failures at many levels of the OSPCA’s operations, and recommends the very legislative changes that the McGuinty government refused when it defeated my Motion.

On page 83, the report makes a number of recommendations for legislative amendments, including the following three specific recommendations contained in my Motion:

1) That the government should review the powers and authority of the OSPCA. It recommends a task force be created with representation from various Ministries to ensure that appropriate changes are made;

2) That the Ontario government should consider legislative amendments to provide for oversight of the OSPCA in order to remedy the current situation of having the OSPCA essentially policing itself;

3) That the government should consider the possibility of separating the OSPCA sheltering services from its investigation and enforcement services.

After reading the report, I spoke with Justice LeSage to express my gratitude to him and Dr. Meek on behalf of the many Ontarians who have been justifiably concerned about the state of animal welfare in our province.

Changes Necessary to Restore Confidence in the OSPCA:

This report exposes the failings of both the OSPCA, as well as the McGuinty government for its refusal to exercise proper oversight. Two things need to happen:

The Provincial Government Must Act:

The provincial government must immediately take the necessary steps to implement the legislative changes proposed in the report. Unfortunately, the McGuinty government has repeatedly demonstrated that it has no intention of taking this issue seriously. I can assure you however, that given the opportunity, a PC Government will act on these recommendations following the October 6th election.

The OSPCA Board Should Resign:

I believe that in order to restore confidence in the OSPCA, the current Chair of the OSPCA and its Board members step aside. The LeSage/Meek Report makes it clear that the Board has failed in its responsibilities to oversee the administration of animal welfare in our province.

I want to thank the many concerned individuals who were willing to come forward to share their stories and the information that gave the LeSage/Meek Report its strength. It was their courage and persistence that made these changes possible.

As always, I welcome your comments and advice. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 905 750 0019 or through my website atwww.frankklees.com. To view the report, click on:

Obviously Mr. Frank Klees does not hold ‘silence’ to be golden or as a virtue, and he must be sincerely thanked for the actions which he took in order that this investigation took place. To thank Mr. Klees you may do so : mail to: frank.kleesco@pc.ola.org

A Hearty Congratulations to all of you back home in Ontario whose courage, determination and commitment to the animals continues unabated as a much needed force speaking out for the innocents. You all are applauded loudly.

One Response

It is time for this province to appoint an ombudsman that represents animals. Christ represented animals on the cross and in general society we have legal counsel, but the animals do not have a voice to protect their safety and welfare. We have the funds so the excuse that we cannot afford an ombudsman for the animals of this province will not be accepted.

We allowed the former Lt. Governor Clarkson to dip her fingers into the public treasury to the amount of 40 million for a junket to Europe with 90 friends …. since we allow breach of fiscal responsibility we can find money to do the justice and compassion God commands for all creation.